Becker’s Payer Issues Podcast
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The Becker's Payer Issues Podcast is the must-listen podcast exclusively created for health insurance executives. Two new 15-minute episodes are released weekly with the leaders who shape health insurance in America and the cost of care, policy and regula
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In this episode, Craig Kurtzweil, Chief Data and Analytics Officer for UnitedHealthcare’s commercial business, shares insights from UnitedHealthcare’s latest employer health trends report, including rising costs among younger workers, more frequent catastrophic claims, and growing metabolic risks. He discusses how data driven strategies can help employers better target engagement, prevention, and affordability.
In this episode, Brett Bingham, Chief Network Development Officer at Banner Plans and Networks, discusses how payers and providers are shifting toward collaboration amid cost pressures and workforce shortages. He shares where strategy is outpacing execution, why data and payment models matter for value based care, and how Banner is staying disciplined in its long term investments.
In this episode, Kristie Spencer, Vice President of Provider Partnerships at Elevance Health, shares how the company is aligning incentives, leveraging digital tools, and using AI to simplify workflows. She explains how effective partnerships and actionable data are driving better outcomes, affordability, and sustainability in value-based care.
In this episode, Howard Brill, Senior Vice President of Population Health and Quality at Monroe Plan for Medical Care, shares insights on value based contracting, rising cost pressures, and the persistent gap between strategy and execution in population health. He also discusses the role of data integration, AI, and regulatory practices in shaping affordability, access, and health plan performance in 2026.
In this episode, Rob Hitchcock, President and Chief Executive Officer of Select Health, discusses how payer provider collaboration, cultural change, and proactive care models are reshaping health plan strategy amid rising cost pressures. He shares perspectives on regulatory headwinds, Medicaid and Medicare reform, and more.
In this episode, Dr. Sachin Jain, President and CEO of SCAN Group, discusses his Forbes op-ed outlining 10 leadership resolutions and argues that healthcare’s biggest challenge is a lack of resolve, not innovation. He shares why speaking plainly, rejecting performative change, and focusing on real patient impact are essential to rebuilding trust in the industry.
In this episode, Erin Henderson Moore, President and CEO of Fidelis Care of New Jersey, shares how the plan is navigating Medicaid uncertainty through integration, member engagement, and upstream investment in behavioral health, housing, and LTSS. She discusses why data sharing, outcome based accountability, and enabling people to age at home will shape the next decade of government sponsored care.
In this episode, Linda Hines, Virginia’s Medicaid Market President at Humana, shares how school based partnerships are improving access to youth behavioral health services, especially in rural communities. She discusses workforce development, measurable outcomes, and why listening to families, providers, and youth is critical to long term success.
In this episode, Jack Hooper, CEO and Co-founder of Take Command, explains how individual coverage HRAs are reshaping employer sponsored benefits and why adoption is accelerating. He discusses cost control, employee choice, and what early success stories signal for the future of health insurance.
In this episode, Bethanie Stein, PharmD, Segment President of Pharmacy at Humana, discusses how employers are approaching GLP-1 coverage and why partnerships with manufacturers like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk matter now. She shares how CenterWell Pharmacy is using transparency, clinical oversight, and adherence focused models to expand access while managing costs.
In this episode, Dr. Alice Hm Chen, Executive Vice President and Chief Health Officer at Centene, discusses how the organization is improving maternal and child health outcomes across Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace populations. She shares insights on rural care challenges, evidence based interventions like midwifery and doulas, and how data and partnerships drive population health impact.
In this episode, Nick Gates, president of Priority Health, shares his leadership journey, the values shaping his approach, and how trust and community guide decision making. He also discusses digital transformation, multi state expansion, and priorities around affordability, access, and member experience.
In this episode, Heather Tamborino, Chief Financial Officer at EmblemHealth, discusses how payer provider collaboration, thoughtful use of AI, and data integration can improve outcomes while easing administrative burden. She also shares how rising pharmacy costs, PBM strategy, and transparency initiatives are shaping financial priorities for 2026.
In this episode, Jay Nakashima, President of eHealth Exchange, discusses how modern data standards and trusted networks are transforming payer provider information sharing, reducing reliance on fax and manual processes. He also shares where inefficiencies persist, how interoperability can lower administrative costs, and what policy changes could improve affordability and access.
In this episode, Howard Weiss, Vice President of Government Affairs at EmblemHealth, discusses how payer provider collaboration, community based programs, and value focused partnerships can improve affordability and outcomes. He also shares how consumer pressure, regulatory scrutiny, and responsible use of AI are shaping health plan strategy and margins in 2026.
In this episode, Chris Gay, CEO and Co-Founder of Evry Health, joins Jakob Emerson to discuss how technology, scale, and business model alignment can dramatically reduce prior authorization friction. He shares why Evry Health’s approach delivers faster decisions, lower denial rates, and a better patient and provider experience, and what the industry needs to change next.
In this episode, Ellen Sexton, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at Blue Shield of California, discusses the impact of major policy changes on Medicaid and commercial markets, how her team is preparing for uncertainty, and the strategies needed to support members, stabilize employer coverage, and advance innovation across California's health care landscape.
In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Brown, Medical Director and Clinical Lead for Women’s Health at Elevance Health, discusses Elevance Health’s expansion of doula services into select employer health plans, highlighting how doula support improves outcomes, reduces disparities, strengthens the care experience, and creates long-term value for mothers and babies.
In this episode, Steve Levin, CEO of Quest Analytics®, shares how health plans can prepare for 2026 as regulations evolve and market expectations shift. He unpacks what current network trends are signaling for plan strategy, why provider data accuracy and operational efficiency are becoming key competitive differentiators, and how leaders can adopt technology and AI in practical ways that drive real, measurable value.This episodeis sponsored by Quest Analytics®.
In this episode, Dr. Saria Saccocio, Chief Medical Officer at Essence Healthcare, explains how strong provider partnerships, real time data, and a member centered approach drive the plan’s four and a half star performance. She also shares how addressing social needs and listening closely to members shapes future benefit design and care delivery.
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